Tag - Cameras

In part one of our feature pitting the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge against the iPhone 6s Plus, we took a look at the design, displays and performance of the two devices. Although the Galaxy S7 Edge has arguably the better design aesthetic when compared with the iPhone 6s Plus, its vaunted double-curved edge display has questionable practical value. Similarly, the S7 Edge's excellent high resolution quad-HD display offers a great VR experience, thanks to its additional pixel density -- but in general use, the still-decent 1080p resolution of the iPhone 6s Plus is going to deliver much better overall efficiency and frame rates in games. Samsung might have also taken a lead in multi-core performance, but the iPhone still has an substantial advantage in the key single-core performance metric. So how do the two stack up when it comes to cameras, software, ecosystems and the overall end-to-end user experience?

Sony has added another mirrorless camera to its Alpha camera line, this time as a follow-up to the A6000 announced almost two years ago. The A6300 bears a similar resemblance to its predecessor, with the new model including a slightly smaller 24.2-megapixel APS-C Exmor sensor with a BIONZ X image processor, with the combination allowing it to record 4K video in Super 35mm format, namely capturing footage without pixel binning.

Canon has unveiled a new version of its EOS-1D X digital camera aimed at the professional market, one it initially released four years ago. The EOS-1D X Mark II is an upgraded version of the original, housing a new 20.2-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor with dual DIGIC 6+ image processors, giving it a boost in terms of speed and image quality, as well as allowing it to film 4K and 1080p video at 60 and 120fps respectively with a "Dual Pixel" CMOS autofocus.

Apple's ad campaign for the iPhone 6s line has continued with three new TV ads released this weekend, continuing the "only thing that's changed is everything" theme and expanding the role of actor Jamie Foxx, who had a brief cameo in an ad released earlier this month. The earlier ads focused on the new abilities of the iPhone's 3D Touch feature, currently a true distinguishing feature from other smartphones. The latest ads feature Foxx interacting with Siri, and highlighting the iPhone's new cameras.

Red Camera has launched the latest in its line of high-specification cinematography cameras, this time with a slightly cheaper model that aims to offer a similar specification set to the higher-priced models but at a lower price point. The Red Raven weighs 3.5 pounds, making it the lightest in the Red stable, with its compact size making it extremely useful for filming from drones or for filming situations where weight and space are at a premium.

GoPro has launched a new entry-level version of its action camera, which provides many of the functions expected from the rest of its range but at a lower price. The Hero+ takes a similar form to the existing Hero camera, but the manufacturer has added Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity to the device, giving users the ability to frame up their shots and remotely monitor what the camera is recording via the GoPro app and the Smart Remote.

[Updated with shipping date and price for the United States] Sony has unveiled a second generation of its existing Alpha A7s, with the successor adding 4K video to the full frame mirrorless camera, without the need for an external recorder. The Alpha A7s II uses a similar 12.1-megapixel sensor with BIONZ X image processing, and matches the original's expansive ISO range of 50 to 409,600, but its video capabilities have been boosted to offer 4K video at 30 frames per second and 1080p video at up to 120fps, allowing it to be used for slow motion recording.

Panasonic has introduced its own action camera that is designed to be worn for point-of-view videos. The HX-A1 is a cylindrical HD camera that weighs a light 45 grams (1.5 ounces) and is capable of surviving a few knocks and elemental challenges without an extra housing case, including being shockproof from drops at a height of 5 feet, waterproof to a similar depth, dustproof, and able to work at temperatures as low as 14F (-10C).

CNBC is reporting that Apple has acquired camera technology company LinX, which creates camera sensors utilizing multi-aperture imaging alongside image processing tech to improve general performance in cameras, including low-light capture, color fidelity and more. The Israel-based firm has been successful at creating sensors that can pack more information into images (allowing for some refocusing, similar to the technology used in Lytro's "light field imaging") in smaller cameras.

Canon has unveiled a pair of video cameras capable of capturing 4K footage, but are located on two different ends of the market. The XC10 is a high-end video camera that will cost $2,500 when it goes on sale, while the EOS C300 Mark II Digital Cinema Camera is aimed at cinematographers, and is estimated by Canon to carry a hefty price tag of around $20,000 when it ships later this year.

Now AAPL Stock: 153.14 ( + 2.59 )

Cirrus creates Lightning-headphone dev kit

Apple supplier Cirrus Logic has introduced a MFi-compliant new development kit for companies interested in using Cirrus' chips to create Lightning-based headphones, which -- regardless of whether rumors about Apple dropping the analog headphone jack in its iPhone this fall -- can offer advantages to music-loving iOS device users. The kit mentions some of the advantages of an all-digital headset or headphone connector, including higher-bitrate support, a more customizable experience, and support for power and data transfer into headphone hardware. Several companies already make Lightning headphones, and Apple has supported the concept since June 2014. http://bit.ly/29giiZj

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Apple Store app offers Procreate Pocket

The Apple Store app for iPhone, which periodically rewards users with free app gifts, is now offering the iPhone "Pocket" version of drawing app Procreate for those who have the free Apple Store app until July 28. Users who have redeemed the offer by navigating to the "Stores" tab of the app and swiping past the "iPhone Upgrade Program" banner to the "Procreate" banner have noted that only the limited Pocket (iPhone) version of the app is available free, even if the Apple Store app is installed and the offer redeemed on an iPad. The Pocket version currently sells for $3 on the iOS App Store. [32.4MB]

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Porsche adds CarPlay to 2017 Panamera

Porsche has added a fifth model of vehicle to its CarPlay-supported lineup, announcing that the 2017 Panamera -- which will arrive in the US in January -- will include Apple's infotainment technology, and be seen on a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen as part of an all-new Porsche Communication Management system. The luxury sedan starts at $99,900 for the 4S model, and scales up to the Panamera Turbo, which sells for $146,900. Other vehicles that currently support CarPlay include the 2016 911 and the 2017 models of Macan, 718 Boxster, and 718 Cayman. The company did not mention support for Google's corresponding Android Auto in its announcement. http://bit.ly/295ZQ94

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Apple employees testing wheelchair features

New features included in the forthcoming watchOS 3 are being tested by Apple retail store employees, including a new activity-tracking feature that has been designed with wheelchair users in mind. The move is slightly unusual in that, while retail employees have previously been used to test pre-release versions of OS X and iOS, this marks the first time they've been included in the otherwise developer-only watchOS betas. The company is said to have gone to great lengths to modify the activity tracker for wheelchair users, including changing the "time to stand" notification to "time to roll" and including two wheelchair-centric workout apps. http://bit.ly/2955JDa

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SanDisk reveals two 256GB microSDXC cards

SanDisk has introduced two 256GB microSDXC cards. Arriving in August for $150, the Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Premium Edition card offers transfer speeds of up to 95MB/s for reading data. The Extreme microSDXC UHS-I card can read at a fast 100MB/s and write at up to 90MB/s, and will be shipping sometime in the fourth quarter for $200. http://bit.ly/294Q1If

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Apple's third-quarter results due July 26

Apple has advised it will be issuing its third-quarter results on July 26, with a conference call to answer investor and analyst queries about the earnings set to take place later that day. The stream of the call will go live at 2pm PT (5pm ET) via Apple's investor site, with the results themselves expected to be released roughly 30 minutes before the call commences. Apple's guidance for the quarter put revenue at between $41 billion and $43 billion. http://apple.co/1oi1Pbm

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Twitter stickers slowly roll out to users

Twitter has introduced "stickers," allowing users to add extra graphical elements to their photos before uploading them to the micro-blogging service. A library of hundreds of accessories, props, and emoji will be available to use as stickers, which can be resized, rotated, and placed anywhere on the photograph. Images with stickers will also become searchable with viewers able to select a sticker to see how others use the same graphic in their own posts. Twitter advises stickers will be rolling out to users over the next few weeks, and will work on both the mobile apps and through the browser. http://bit.ly/29bbwUE